Melanie Walters, 62, shows off her ageless beauty as she transforms into Gwen for the final time to film Gavin and Stacey’s upcoming Christmas special.

Melanie Walters showed off her timeless beauty as she transformed into beloved character Gwen for the last time.

Gavin and Stacey fans were sent into a frenzy when the cast were spotted filming a wedding scene for the highly-anticipated final episode on Tuesday.

And among them was Melanie, 62, who has played Stacey’s mother, Gwen, since 2007.

Melanie’s soft complexion glowed as she donned a green blazer and floral maxi dress to film scenes for the Christmas special, 17 years after making her debut as the character.

The actress looked radiant as she walked around the set with her auburn locks pulled back in a half-up, half-down look for the wedding scene, and sporting an orange floral headband.

After the latest Christmas special ended with a marriage proposal, it looked like James Corden’s character Smithy might finally get his happy ending with Nessa (Ruth Jones) after he was spotted filming in a groom’s suit.

Making a surprise return to set was actor Steffan Rhodri, who plays Nessa’s ex-fiancé Dave Coaches, casting doubt on whether Smithy and Nessa will tie the knot after five years of speculation.

Steffan, wearing a black leather jacket and a quirky print shirt, was pictured entering the set with Julia Davis, who plays Dawn Sutcliffe.

He made his final appearance on Gavin and Stacey at the end of the third season when Nessa decided she couldn’t go through with her wedding.

His surprise return will no doubt spark concern among fans that Smithy turned down Nessa’s proposal.

Nessa, who was noticeably absent from the set, was also spotted without a ring on her ring finger this week, sparking further speculation that the couple will not be tying the knot.

In more Gavin and Stacey news, it’s been reported that the finale will see the return of Sheridan Smith as Smithy’s sister Rudi, and the actress was spotted filming a surprise cameo.

The star played a larger-than-life character in seasons one and two of the hit show and was spotted filming her scenes over the weekend.

A source said The sun The actress stepped back into Rudy’s shoes and it was “as if no time had passed at all.”

The source added: “Sheridan was really excited to be back in the fold and her scenes are brilliant.”

It has also been revealed that the cast is working on a behind-the-scenes show to mark their final appearance.

Barry Island was packed with people last week as the original cast returned for the finale.

An emotional James told his followers: “It’s overwhelming that it’s the last time we’re going to be here on the island. It’s wonderful. It’s the home of the show. It’s the centre of everything, really, and every moment you spend there you think, ‘God, I remember when we were here.'”

On the first day of filming, the cast shared a photo of a clapperboard with the caption: “Filming for the final episode of Gavin & Stacey started today. We’re actually kind of excited.”

It will be the first episode of the BBC comedy since the final Christmas special in 2019. That episode, which was watched by 12 million viewers, ended on a cliffhanger with Nessa on one knee as she proposed to Smithy.

The show focuses on the ups and downs of Gavin and Stacey’s initially long-distance relationship, with him living with his parents in Billericay, Essex, and her on Barry Island.

The couple eventually tie the knot, while their respective best friends Smithy and Nessa have a son, Neil, who is now 15 and will also return for the final episode.

The final episode of Gavin and Stacey will air on BBC One on Christmas Day.